Abstract:

A method may include receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle; and allocating a standing based upon
the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization
or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle,
wherein the standing is allocated upon receipt of the status.

Claims:

1. A method, comprising:receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle; andallocating a standing based upon the
at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or
the status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein
the standing is allocated upon receipt of the status.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:wirelessly
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein wirelessly receiving the at least one of
the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:wirelessly receiving the at least one of the status indicative
of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle via at least one of a radio signal, a
microwave signal, a terahertz signal, an infrared signal, an optical
signal, an ultraviolet signal, a subsonic signal, an audible signal, an
ultrasonic signal, or a magnetic signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:connecting to the
hybrid vehicle for receiving the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein connecting to the hybrid vehicle for
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle comprises:connecting to the hybrid vehicle for receiving
the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization
or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid
vehicle via at least one of a serial port, a serial cable, an IEEE 1394
interface, a parallel port, a parallel cable, a network port, a network
cable, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a USB cable, a fiber optic
port, or a fiber optic cable.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a
physical media.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein receiving the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a physical media
comprises:receiving the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a physical media comprising at
least one of a removable media, an optical disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a
CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a DVD-ROM, a
DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a Blu-ray Disc (BD), a
High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk Drive (HDD), an
external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, a memory card, or a
smart key.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a
visual indicator on the hybrid vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a visual indicator on
the hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a visual indicator on
the hybrid vehicle comprising a light positioned on at least one of a
dashboard, a rear window ledge, or an exterior of the hybrid vehicle.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle represents a driving mode.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the driving mode represents
utilization of combustible fuel for propelling the hybrid vehicle.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the driving mode represents
utilization of electricity for propelling the hybrid vehicle.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle is related to a
utilization of propulsion resources.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the utilization of propulsion
resources is associated with at least one of a rate of combustible fuel
utilization or an amount of combustible fuel utilization.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the utilization of propulsion
resources is associated with at least one of a rate of electricity
utilization or an amount of electricity utilization.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle represents an
instantaneous status.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle represents an average over
a time period.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle represents a cumulative
utilization for a time period.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle represents a cumulative
utilization for a geographic region.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving at least
one of a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status
indicative of electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle associated
with a geographic region identified by a GPS receiver.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from
an aftermarket part.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from
at least one of the Internet, a personal communication device, a personal
computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, or a mobile telephone.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from
a transmitter coupled with a determination module comprising
instrumentation for determining the at least one of the status indicative
of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from
a transmitter coupled with a determination module comprising a receiver
for receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for
the hybrid vehicle.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:wirelessly
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle from a personal computer coupled with a determination
module for determining the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:wirelessly
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle from a mobile telephone connected to a personal computer
coupled with a determination module for determining the at least one of
the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a
computer network from a personal computer coupled with a determination
module for determining the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based
upon a schedule.

29. The method of claim 1, further comprising:calculating a time for
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based
upon a location for the hybrid vehicle.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based
upon a change in driving mode for the hybrid vehicle.

32. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving a selection
associated with the hybrid vehicle indicating the hybrid vehicle will
selectively utilize one or more standings based on the status.

33. The method of claim 1, further comprising:querying for the at least
one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying to verify the hybrid vehicle's compliance with
utilization restrictions.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:broadcasting the query to the hybrid vehicle and at least a
second vehicle.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:directly querying the hybrid vehicle for the at least one of
the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein directly querying the hybrid vehicle
for the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle comprises:directly querying the hybrid vehicle based upon
an occupant of the hybrid vehicle.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying based upon a schedule.

39. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying based upon a location for the hybrid vehicle.

40. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying based upon a change in driving mode for the hybrid
vehicle.

41. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying before the hybrid vehicle enters at least one of a
pre-designated roadway, a region, a pre-designated bridge, a
pre-designated parking lot, a pre-designated parking spot, or a queue for
at least one of refueling the combustible fuel or recharging one or more
batteries.

42. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying based upon a past behavior of the hybrid vehicle.

43. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:instructing a transmitter to query the hybrid vehicle for the
at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or
the status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

44. The method of claim 33, wherein querying for the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying a receiver for the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein querying a receiver for the at least
one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle
comprises:querying at least one of a refueling station, a recharging
station, a roadside monitor, an emissions monitor, or an electromagnetic
monitor for the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle.

46. The method of claim 1, wherein allocating a standing based upon the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the
standing is allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting
data indicative of a selectable set of standings allocated upon receipt
of the status.

47. The method of claim 1, wherein allocating a standing based upon the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the
standing is allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting
data indicative of the standing allocated upon receipt of the status.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
utilize a pre-designated roadway.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
drive within a region.

50. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
cross a pre-designated bridge.

51. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
utilize a pre-designated parking lot.

52. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
utilize a pre-designated parking spot.

53. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising an advanced position in a queue for
at least one of refueling the combustible fuel or recharging one or more
batteries.

54. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising a qualification for at least one of a
tax benefit, an insurance benefit, a reduction in fees, a reduction in
recharging costs, or a reduction in refueling costs.

55. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising a tax, a fee, an increase in
recharging costs, an increase in refueling costs, an elimination of a
privilege, a revocation of a privilege, or a partial reduction in a
privilege.

56. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing that is at least one of reduced or eliminated
when an alternate route including public transportation is available for
at least one passenger of the hybrid vehicle.

57. The method of claim 47, wherein transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status comprises:transmitting data
indicative of a standing that is at least one of increased, reduced, or
eliminated based upon a number of passengers in the hybrid vehicle.

58. The method of claim 47, further comprising:formatting the transmitted
data for a display positioned in the hybrid vehicle for displaying
information associated with the standing.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein formatting the transmitted data for a
display positioned in the hybrid vehicle for displaying information
associated with the standing comprises:formatting the transmitted data
for at least one of an audio display or a visual display positioned in
the hybrid vehicle for displaying information associated with the
standing.

60. The method of claim 47, further comprising:transmitting information
associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of the status to an
off-site entity.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the off-site entity comprises at least
one of a storage medium, a database, an audio display, or a visual
display.

62. The method of claim 47, further comprising:storing information
associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of the status.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the information associated with the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status is configured to be stored
in an encrypted format.

64. The method of claim 47, further comprising:storing data regarding the
transmission of the information associated with the standing allocated
upon receipt of the status.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the data regarding the transmission of
the information associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of
the status is configured to be stored in an encrypted format.

66. The method of claim 1, further comprising:storing data regarding the
at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or
the status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the data regarding the at least one of
the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle is
configured to be stored in an encrypted format.

68. The method of claim 1, further comprising:storing data regarding the
transmission of the at least one of the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for
the hybrid vehicle.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the data regarding the transmission of
the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization
or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid
vehicle is configured to be stored in an encrypted format.

70. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle comprises:receiving the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle in an
encrypted data format.

71. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving at least one of a
hybrid vehicle identification, an operator identification, a time, a
location, a direction, or a speed associated with the hybrid vehicle.

72. The method of claim 1, wherein the standing comprises at least one of
a privilege or a penalty.

73. The method of claim 1, wherein the standing is accumulated with at
least a second standing.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the accumulated first and second
standings are exchanged for a set of standings comprising at least a
third standing.

75. The method of claim 1, further comprising:canceling a penalty
utilizing the standing allocated upon receipt of the status.

76. The method of claim 1, further comprising:reducing a penalty utilizing
the standing allocated upon receipt of the status.

77. The method of claim 1, further comprising:selling the standing to a
second entity.

78. The method of claim 1, further comprising:transferring the standing to
a second entity.

79. The method of claim 1, wherein the standing is dependent upon at least
one of a driver of the hybrid vehicle, an occupant of the hybrid vehicle,
an identification for the hybrid vehicle, a time of day, a driving
history for the hybrid vehicle, a history of standings for the hybrid
vehicle, a number of standings accumulated for the hybrid vehicle, a user
selection from a list of acceptable standings, an expiration of a
standing, a time period during which a standing is valid, or a
geographical region in which a standing is valid.

80-480. (canceled)

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the
earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications
or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent
applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,
etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,331, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed Apr. 30, 2009, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0003]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,492, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed May 1, 2009, which is currently co-pending,
or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is
entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0004]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,483, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed May 1, 2009, which is currently co-pending,
or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is
entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0005]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,482, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed May 1, 2009, which is currently co-pending,
or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is
entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0006]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,491, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed May 1, 2009, which is currently co-pending,
or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is
entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0007]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/387,488, entitled AWARDING PRIVILEGES TO A VEHICLE BASED UPON
ONE OR MORE FUEL UTILIZATION CHARACTERISTICS, naming Philip Eckhoff;
William Gates; Peter L. Hagelstein; Roderick A. Hyde; Muriel Y. Ishikawa;
Jordin T. Kare; Robert Langer; Eric C. Leuthardt; Erez Lieberman; Nathan
P. Myhrvold; Michael Schnall-Levin; Clarence T. Tegreene; and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed May 1, 2009, which is currently co-pending,
or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is
entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0008]The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to
the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent
applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an
application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin,
Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003,
available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The
present Applicant Entity (hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a
specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is
unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require
either a serial number or any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that
the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and
hence Applicant is designating the present application as a
continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but
expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in
any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter
of its parent application(s).

[0009]All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

[0010]In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to receiving at
least one of a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a
status indicative of electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle; and
allocating a standing based upon the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is
allocated upon receipt of the status. In addition to the foregoing, other
method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a
part of the present disclosure.

[0011]In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to receiving a
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for a vehicle; and allocating a standing based
upon the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison
to electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is
allocated upon receipt of the status. In addition to the foregoing, other
method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a
part of the present disclosure.

[0012]In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are not
limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the
herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be
virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware
configured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending upon
the design choices of the system designer.

[0013]In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to means for
receiving at least one of a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or a status indicative of electricity utilization for a
hybrid vehicle; and means for allocating a standing based upon the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the
standing is allocated upon receipt of the status. In addition to the
foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings,
and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0014]In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to means for
receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in
comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle; and means for
allocating a standing based upon the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the
vehicle, wherein the standing is allocated upon receipt of the status. In
addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the
claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0015]In one aspect, a computer program product includes but is not
limited to a signal bearing medium bearing computer usable code
configured for receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle; and computer usable code configured for
allocating a standing based upon the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is
allocated upon receipt of the status. In addition to the foregoing, other
program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text
forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0016]In one aspect, a computer program product includes but is not
limited to a signal bearing medium bearing computer usable code
configured for receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle; and
computer usable code configured for allocating a standing based upon the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is
allocated upon receipt of the status. In addition to the foregoing, other
program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text
forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0017]In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system
and/or program product aspects are set forth and described in the
teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or
drawings of the present disclosure.

[0018]The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications,
generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative
only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects,
features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other
subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set
forth herein.

[0029]FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle and allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle.

[0030]FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0031]FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0032]FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0033]FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0034]FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0035]FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0036]FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0037]FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0038]FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0039]FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0040]FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and calculating a time for receiving the status.

[0041]FIG. 23 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and receiving a selection associated with the
hybrid vehicle.

[0042]FIG. 24 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and querying for the status.

[0043]FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 24.

[0044]FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 24.

[0045]FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 24.

[0046]FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 24.

[0047]FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 24.

[0048]FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0049]FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0050]FIG. 32 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0051]FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0052]FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0053]FIG. 35 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0054]FIG. 36 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0055]FIG. 37 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0056]FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0057]FIG. 39 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 11.

[0058]FIG. 40 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and storing data regarding the status.

[0059]FIG. 41 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and storing data regarding the transmission of
the status.

[0060]FIG. 42 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and receiving at least one of a hybrid vehicle
identification, an operator identification, a time, a location, a
direction, or a speed associated with the hybrid vehicle.

[0061]FIG. 43 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and canceling a penalty utilizing the standing.

[0062]FIG. 44 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and reducing a penalty utilizing the standing.

[0063]FIG. 45 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and selling the standing to a second entity.

[0064]FIG. 46 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and transferring the standing to a second entity.

[0065]FIG. 47 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and transferring the standing to an individual.

[0066]FIG. 48 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle and
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle.

[0067]FIG. 49 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0068]FIG. 50 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0069]FIG. 51 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0070]FIG. 52 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0071]FIG. 53 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0072]FIG. 54 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0073]FIG. 55 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0074]FIG. 56 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0075]FIG. 57 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0076]FIG. 58 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0077]FIG. 59 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
calculating a time for receiving the status.

[0078]FIG. 60 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
receiving a selection associated with the vehicle.

[0079]FIG. 61 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and querying
for the status.

[0080]FIG. 62 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 61.

[0081]FIG. 63 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 61.

[0082]FIG. 64 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 61.

[0083]FIG. 65 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 61.

[0084]FIG. 66 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 61.

[0085]FIG. 67 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0086]FIG. 68 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0087]FIG. 69 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0088]FIG. 70 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0089]FIG. 71 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0090]FIG. 72 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0091]FIG. 73 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0092]FIG. 74 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0093]FIG. 75 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0094]FIG. 76 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational
flow of FIG. 48.

[0095]FIG. 77 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and storing
data regarding the status.

[0096]FIG. 78 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and storing
data regarding the transmission of the status.

[0097]FIG. 79 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
receiving at least one of a vehicle identification, an operator
identification, a time, a location, a direction, or a speed associated
with the vehicle.

[0098]FIG. 80 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
canceling a penalty utilizing the standing.

[0099]FIG. 81 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and reducing
a penalty utilizing the standing.

[0100]FIG. 82 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and selling
the standing to a second entity.

[0101]FIG. 83 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
transferring the standing to a second entity.

[0102]FIG. 84 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
transferring the standing to an individual.

[0103]FIG. 85 illustrates a computer program product related to receiving
at least one of a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a
status indicative of electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle and
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle.

[0104]FIG. 86 illustrates a computer program product related to receiving
a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for a vehicle and allocating a standing based
upon the status for the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105]In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed
description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other
embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0106]Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the
art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left
between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of
systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but
not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and
software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that
there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other
technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software,
and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the
context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies
are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and
accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware
and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again
alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,
software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described
herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other
in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context
in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,
speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and or firmware.

[0107]In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations may include software or other control structures.
Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or more paths of
electrical current constructed and arranged to implement various
functions as described herein. In some implementations, one or more media
may be configured to bear a device-detectable implementation when such
media hold or transmit a device detectable instructions operable to
perform as described herein. In some variants, for example,
implementations may include an update or modification of existing
software or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as
by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or more
instructions in relation to one or more operations described herein.
Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation may
include special-purpose hardware, software, firmware components, and/or
general-purpose components executing or otherwise invoking
special-purpose components. Specifications or other implementations may
be transmitted by one or more instances of tangible transmission media as
described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by
passing through distributed media at various times.

[0108]Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing
a special-purpose instruction sequence or invoking circuitry for
enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing one
or more occurrences of virtually any functional operations described
herein. In some variants, operational or other logical descriptions
herein may be expressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked
as an executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example,
implementations may be provided, in whole or in part, by source code,
such as C++, or other code sequences. In other implementations, source or
other code implementation, using commercially available and/or techniques
in the art, may be compiled/implemented/translated/converted into a
high-level descriptor language (e.g., initially implementing described
technologies in C or C++ programming language and thereafter converting
the programming language implementation into a logic-synthesizable
language implementation, a hardware description language implementation,
a hardware design simulation implementation, and/or other such similar
mode(s) of expression). For example, some or all of a logical expression
(e.g., computer programming language implementation) may be manifested as
a Verilog-type hardware description (e.g., via Hardware Description
Language (HDL) and/or Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware
Descriptor Language (VHDL)) or other circuitry model which may then be
used to create a physical implementation having hardware (e.g., an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Those skilled in the art will
recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or
computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other structures
in light of these teachings.

[0109]Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 10, a vehicle 100 is described in
accordance with the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 may be propelled
utilizing one or more of a combustible fuel and electricity. For
instance, the vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle that utilizes both a
first drive train 102 powered by combustible fuel for driving
(propelling) the vehicle 100 and a second drive train 104 powered by
electricity for driving (propelling) the vehicle 100.

[0110]In an embodiment, one or more rewards or privileges is provided to
the vehicle 100 (or to its owner, driver or one or more passengers),
based upon driving characteristics that provide some benefit to the
surroundings. A reward or privilege may include access to an otherwise
prohibited route, such as, for example, a Heavily Occupied Vehicle (HOV)
lane, or access to a lower-burden route, such as a toll-free lane. A
benefit to the surroundings may include, for example, a decrease in
emissions (e.g., where emissions include the exhaust from a combustion
engine powered by combustible fuel) or lower fuel consumption. Thus, in a
case where the first drive train 102 includes a combustion engine, and
the second drive train 104 includes a battery, utilization of the second
drive train 104 may be preferable over the first drive train 102 from an
environmental standpoint and may qualify the vehicle 100 for one or more
privileges or rewards. Alternatively, one or more penalties is provided
to the vehicle 100 (or to its owner, driver or one or more passengers),
based upon driving characteristics that provide some negative impact to
the surroundings (e.g., utilizing the first drive train 102 instead of
the second drive train 104). A penalty may include, among other things, a
tax, a fee, an increase in recharging costs, an increase in refueling
costs, an elimination of a privilege, a revocation of a privilege, or a
partial reduction in a privilege. Within the context of the present
disclosure, rewards, privileges, penalties, and the like are broadly
defined as "standings," a term encompassing positive, negative, and
possible neutral status.

[0111]A combustible fuel may include any fuel capable of reacting with an
oxidizing element to produce heat (and possibly reaction products).
Organic-based fuels are one type of combustible fuel. Organic-based fuels
may include, but are not limited to, alcohols (i.e., compounds having a
hydroxyl group bound to a carbon atom of an alkyl or substituted alkyl
group), such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol), methyl alcohol (methanol), and
isopropyl alcohol, etc.; ketones (i.e., compounds having a carbonyl group
bonded to two other carbon atoms), such as acetone, acetophenone, and
methyl ethyl ketone, etc.; and hydrocarbon-based fuels.

[0112]Hydrocarbon-based fuels may include, but are not limited to,
gasoline (also referred to as gas or petrol) derived from petroleum and
containing a mixture of hydrocarbons including hexane, heptane, or octane
(gasoline may be enhanced with iso-octane or toluene or benzene); diesel
(also known as petroleum diesel); natural gas or Liquid Petroleum Gas
(LPG), mixtures of gaseous hydrocarbons associated with petroleum
deposits (natural gas may include methane combined with ethane, propane,
or butane); kerosene; naphtha (a petroleum fraction which may be further
processed); and various oils and bio-fuels, i.e., mineral, vegetable, or
synthetic substances or animal or vegetable fats. It is further
contemplated that hydrocarbon-based fuels may include fuel additives,
such as hybrid compound blends (e.g., polymerization agents for increased
fuel ignition surface area, stabilizers, catalysts, or detergents);
alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol); ethers;
antioxidants; antiknock agents; lead scavengers; or fuel dyes and the
like.

[0113]It is contemplated that a combustible fuel may include hydrogen.
Further, a combustible fuel may include any fuel capable of chemical
combustion (e.g., sodium or magnesium in the presence of water).

[0114]Electricity utilization may include electricity drawn from a public
power grid to magnetize sections of a rail planted below a roadway, where
the vehicle 100 includes rare earth magnets (or electromagnets) that
propel the vehicle by crossing through alternating magnetic fields along
the magnetized rail. Further, it will be appreciated that electricity
utilization for the vehicle 100 may include any utilization of electrical
power for generating one or more magnetic fields, either externally to
the vehicle 100, or proximal to the vehicle itself.

[0115]In an embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes a
first drive train 102 comprising a transmission 106 coupled with a
combustion device (e.g., combustion engine 108) powered by combustible
fuel 110. The vehicle 100 also includes a second drive train 104
comprising the transmission 106 coupled with an electric motor 112
powered by one or more batteries 114. Both the combustion engine 108 and
the electric motor 112 are configured to supply power to the transmission
106 (either together or separately) for turning one or more wheels and
driving, or propelling, the vehicle 100.

[0116]In an embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the vehicle 100 includes a
first drive train 102 comprising a transmission 106 coupled with an
electric motor 112 powered by a generator 116 coupled with a combustion
engine 108 powered by combustible fuel 110. The vehicle 100 also includes
a second drive train 104 comprising the transmission 106 coupled with the
electric motor 112, which is powered by one or more batteries 114. The
generator 116 is also connected to the batteries 114. The generator 116
is configured for either charging the batteries 114, or powering the
electric motor 112 to supply power to the transmission 106 for turning
one or more wheels and driving the vehicle 100. It will be appreciated
that even though the combustion engine 108 is not directly connected to
the transmission 106 (in this embodiment), the combustible fuel 110 is
still utilized to propel the vehicle 100 via the first drive train 102,
by powering the electric motor 112 via the generator 116.

[0117]In an embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the vehicle 100 includes a
first drive train 102 comprising a transmission 106 coupled with an
electric motor 112, a generator 116, and a combustion engine 108 powered
by combustible fuel 110. The vehicle 100 also includes a second drive
train 104 comprising the transmission 106 coupled with the electric motor
112, which is powered by one or more batteries 114. The generator 116 is
connected to the batteries 114 for charging the batteries 114. In this
embodiment, both the combustion engine 108 and the electric motor 112 are
configured to supply power to the transmission 106 (either together or
separately) for turning one or more wheels and driving the vehicle 100.
For instance, at lower speeds, the electric motor 112 and the batteries
114 may be utilized to power the vehicle 100. At higher speeds, the
combustion engine 108 may be utilized with the generator 116 for powering
the vehicle 100.

[0118]It should be noted that combustible fuel may be utilized to propel
the vehicle 100 without combustion actually taking place. For example, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the vehicle 100 may be propelled
utilizing one or more Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) 118 powered by
combustible fuel 110 and an electric motor 112 powered by the fuel cells
118 or one or more batteries 114. The vehicle 100 includes a first drive
train 102 comprising a transmission 106 coupled with the electric motor
112 and powered by the DMFC 118. The vehicle 100 also includes a second
drive train 104 comprising the transmission 106 coupled with the electric
motor 112 and powered by the batteries 114. The fuel cells 118 are also
connected to the batteries 114 and are configured for either charging the
batteries 114, or powering the electric motor 112 to supply power to the
transmission 106 for turning one or more wheels and driving the vehicle
100. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 is supplied with the combustible
fuel 110 methanol, which is fed directly to the DMFC 118 where it is
utilized to produce electricity in the presence of a catalyst (i.e., the
catalyst draws hydrogen directly from the liquid methanol). The
electricity is then utilized to propel the vehicle (or stored by the one
or more batteries 114). In this configuration, the fuel cells 118 may
produce carbon dioxide and water as reaction products.

[0119]For the purposes of the present disclosure, propelling the vehicle
100 or charging one or more batteries 114 to propel the vehicle 100 while
drawing hydrogen from methanol is considered as utilizing a combustible
fuel, just as combusting the fuel to propel the vehicle 100 or to charge
one or more batteries 114 to propel the vehicle 100 would be in the case
of a combustion engine 108. Further, propelling the vehicle by utilizing
energy stored in the batteries 114 while not utilizing the combustible
fuel 110 is defined as utilizing electricity. It is also contemplated
that the combustible fuel 110 may be utilized to produce electricity for
propelling the vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 also utilizes electrical
energy stored in the batteries 114 for propulsion; alternatively, the
combustible fuel 110 may be utilized to produce electricity for
propelling the vehicle 100 while storing electrical energy in the
batteries 114. Combustible fuel utilization may be compared to
electricity utilization in any of these configurations. Alternatively, a
rate of consumption for either combustible fuel or electricity may be
compared against a theoretical or practical limit (e.g., to determine how
efficiently one type of energy source or another is being consumed).

[0120]The vehicle 100 may include a transmitter 120 for transmitting a
status indicative of, for example, one or more of combustible fuel
utilization, electricity utilization, and combustible fuel utilization in
comparison to electricity utilization for the vehicle 100. The
transmitter 120 may transmit the status for the vehicle 100 via a
wireless signal 122. For example, the transmitter 120 may transmit the
status for the vehicle 100 via one or more of a radio signal 124, a
microwave signal 126, a terahertz signal 127, an infrared signal 128, an
optical signal 130, an ultraviolet signal 132, a subsonic signal 134, an
audible signal 136, an ultrasonic signal 138, or a magnetic signal 140.
Alternatively, the transmitter 120 may be coupled with a connector 142
for connecting to an off-site entity 144 and transmitting a status
indicative of one or more of combustible fuel utilization, electricity
utilization, and combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle 100. For instance, the connector
142 may include one or more of a serial port 146, a serial cable 148, an
IEEE 1394 interface 149, a parallel port 150, a parallel cable 152, a
network port 154, a network cable 156, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
158, a USB cable 160, a fiber optic port 162, or a fiber optic cable 164.
The off-site entity 144 may include, for example, a municipality, a road
authority, a receiver or transceiver maintained by a road authority, a
police department, or another entity having a degree of authority over
road utilization.

[0121]The transmitter 120 may also be utilized for transmitting a status
indicative of one or more of combustible fuel utilization, electricity
utilization, and combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle 100 via a physical media 166. For
example, the transmitter 120 may be configured to transfer a status for
the vehicle 100 via one or more of a removable media 168, an optical disc
170, a Compact Disc (CD) 172 (e.g., a CD-ROM, a CD-R, or a CD-RW), a
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 174 (e.g., a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a
DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, or a DVD+RW), a Blu-ray Disc (BD) 176, a
High-Definition DVD (HD DVD) 178, a removable Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 180,
an external HDD 182, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive 184, a memory
card 186, or a smart key 188 (e.g., a Valeo key, or the like). In an
embodiment, the transmitter 120 may include a visual indicator 190 on the
vehicle 100 for transmitting a status indicative of one or more of
combustible fuel utilization, electricity utilization, and combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the vehicle
100. For example, the vehicle 100 may include a light 192 positioned on
one or more of a dashboard, a rear window ledge, or an exterior of the
vehicle 100.

[0122]In an embodiment, the status may represent a driving mode. For
instance, the status may indicate that the vehicle 100 is utilizing
electricity for propulsion. Alternatively, the status may indicate that
the vehicle 100 is utilizing combustible fuel for propulsion. In an
embodiment, the status may be related to a utilization of propulsion
resources. For instance, the status may indicate a rate at which the
vehicle 100 is utilizing electricity for propulsion. Alternatively, the
status may indicate an amount of combustible fuel utilized by the vehicle
100. In an embodiment, the status may be indicative of an instantaneous
status (e.g., real-time utilization of combustible fuel or electricity),
such as an instantaneous measurement representing the utilization of
combustible fuel (e.g., the utilization of combustible fuel over the
smallest period of time for which a measured difference is determinable).
Alternatively, a rate of change of combustible fuel utilization over time
(e.g., a derivative measurement) may constitute an instantaneous
measurement. In an embodiment, the status may be indicative of average
fuel utilization over a time period (e.g., utilization of combustible
fuel or electricity based on time-averaged data). In an embodiment, the
status may be indicative of cumulative fuel utilization for a time
period, such as the total utilization of combustible fuel over a number
of days. In an embodiment, the status may be indicative of cumulative
fuel or average fuel economy used over a traversed area; e.g., during
traversal through a municipality, or through a state. In an embodiment,
the status may be associated with cumulative fuel utilization for a
geographic region (e.g., a geographic region identified by a GPS receiver
194), such as the total utilization of combustible fuel while driving on
an interstate highway.

[0123]The transmitter 120 may be coupled with a determination module 196
for determining the status for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the
determination module 196 may be instrumentation 198 included with the
vehicle 100, such as power-selection instrumentation for selectively
enabling one or more of the combustible fuel utilization and the
electricity utilization. Alternatively, the instrumentation 198 may be
instrumentation included with the vehicle 100 for monitoring the fuel
consumption of the vehicle 100, such as a fuel gauge, or the like. In
embodiments where the instrumentation 198 is included with the vehicle
100, the transmitter 120 may be added to the vehicle (e.g., where the
transmitter 120 is included with an aftermarket part) or selectively
coupled with the vehicle (e.g., where the transmitter 120 is included
with one or more of the Internet, a personal communication device, a
personal computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a Personal
Digital Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, or a mobile telephone).
In an embodiment, the transmitter 120 and the instrumentation 198 may be
provided as a single unit, such as a device 200. In this configuration,
the instrumentation 198 may be capable of monitoring the status of the
vehicle 100 by measuring sound emitted by the vehicle, measuring
emissions from the vehicle, or capturing images or movements of the
vehicle 100 or its various parts, such as movement of a drive train, or
the like. In a still further embodiment, the determination module 196 of
the device 200 may include a receiver 202 for receiving the status of the
vehicle 100, such as a receiver 202 communicatively coupled with
power-selection instrumentation, a fuel gauge, or the like. In a further
embodiment, the determination module 196 may be coupled with a personal
computer 203 for transmitting the status (as determined by the
determination module 196, for instance) to the off-site entity 144.
Further, the personal computer 203 may be connected to a mobile telephone
205 for transmitting the status to the off-site entity 144. It is also
contemplated that the personal computer 203 may be connected to a
computer network 207 for transmitting the status to the off-site entity
144.

[0124]The transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle 100 at
different times and upon different conditions. In an embodiment, the
transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle 100 based upon a
schedule (e.g., daily, hourly, or the like). In an embodiment, the
transmitter may be coupled with a processor 204 for scheduling
transmission of the status. The off-site entity 144 may include a
processor 145 for calculating a time for receiving the status transmitted
by the transmitter 120. In an embodiment, the transmitter 120 may
transmit the status of the vehicle 100 based upon a location, such as the
location of the vehicle 100 (e.g., when the vehicle crosses from one area
into another, such as from a highway authority to a city authority). In
an embodiment, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle
100 based upon a change in driving mode. For example, the status may be
transmitted when the vehicle switches from electrical power to utilizing
the combustible fuel. Further, the status for the vehicle 100 may be
transmitted in an encrypted data format (e.g., utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0125]The vehicle 100 may include a receiver 206 for receiving data
indicative of a standing allocated upon receipt of the transmitted
status. For example, propelling the vehicle 100 with electricity (e.g.,
by utilizing batteries 114 included with the vehicle 100) may be rewarded
by the allocation of a privilege to the vehicle 100. It should be noted
that the receiver 202 may comprise the receiver 206. Alternatively, the
receiver 206 may be provided separately from the receiver 202. It is
contemplated that the vehicle 100 may include a selection module 208 for
allowing the vehicle to selectively utilize one or more standings based
upon the transmitted status. For instance, the selection module 208 may
allow the vehicle to opt in or opt out of receiving standings. In an
embodiment, the standing may be allocated by an off-site entity 144 who
receives the transmitted status from the vehicle 100, such as a road
authority, or the like. For instance, the road authority may query the
vehicle 100 for its status. In an embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may
broadcast a query to multiple vehicles. In an embodiment, the query may
be directed to a specific or pre-designated vehicle. For instance, a
vehicle may be selected for a query based upon an occupant of the
vehicle.

[0126]It is contemplated that the query received from the off-site entity
144 may be transmitted based upon a schedule. Alternatively, the query
received from the off-site entity 144 may be transmitted based upon a
location (e.g., a location of the vehicle 100 with respect to the
off-site entity 144 or to a landmark, such as a highway, a communications
tower, or the like). In an embodiment, the query received from the
off-site entity 144 may be transmitted based upon a change in driving
mode (e.g., when the vehicle 100 switches from utilizing the second drive
train 104 to utilizing the first drive train 102). Further, the query
received from the off-site entity 144 may be transmitted before entering
at least one of a pre-designated roadway, a region, a pre-designated
bridge, a pre-designated parking lot, a pre-designated parking spot, or a
queue for refueling the combustible fuel or recharging the batteries. In
an alternative embodiment, the query received from the off-site entity
144 may be transmitted based upon a past behavior of the vehicle (e.g., a
past utilization of the combustible fuel 110 by the vehicle 100).

[0127]In an embodiment, the standing may include permission for the
vehicle 100 to utilize a pre-designated roadway 210. In an embodiment,
the standing may include permission for the vehicle 100 to drive into a
region 212. In an embodiment, the standing may include permission for the
vehicle 100 to cross a pre-designated bridge 214. In an embodiment, the
standing may include permission for the vehicle 100 to utilize a
pre-designated parking lot 216. In an embodiment, the standing may
include permission for the vehicle 100 to utilize a pre-designated
parking spot 218. It is also contemplated that the vehicle 100 may be
queried for its status to verify the vehicle's compliance with
utilization restrictions, such as fuel utilization requirements for a
geographical area. In an embodiment, the standing may include an advanced
position in a queue for refueling the combustible fuel 110 or recharging
the batteries 114. Further, the vehicle 100 may be queried for its status
to determine a qualification for one or more of a tax benefit, an
insurance benefit, or a reduction in fees.

[0128]It should be noted that the standing may be reduced or eliminated
when the benefit of choosing one driving mode over another (e.g.,
choosing the second drive train 104 over the first drive train 102) may
be outweighed by another behavior. For example, in an embodiment, the
standing may be reduced when an alternate route for the driver or
passengers of the vehicle 100 including public transportation is
available. In an embodiment, the standing may be eliminated based upon a
number of passengers in the vehicle 100, such as only a driver.
Alternatively, the standing may be increased based upon a number of
passengers in the vehicle 100. For instance, a tax benefit may be
increased based upon more than one passenger in the vehicle 100.

[0129]In an embodiment, the standing allocated by the off-site entity 144
upon receipt of the status for the vehicle 100 may be accumulated with
another standing (e.g., a standing allocated from another agency, such as
another road authority, or the like). Further, the standing allocated by
the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status for the vehicle 100
and one or more other standings allocated by another agency may be
exchanged for a second set of standings including (at least) a third
standing. For instance, a standing including permission to utilize a
pre-designated roaday and a standing including permission to utilize a
pre-designated parking spot may be exchanged for a standing including
permission to drive within a pre-designated region.

[0130]The vehicle 100 may include a display 220 coupled with the receiver
206 for displaying information associated with the standing allocated
upon receipt of the transmitted status. For example, the receiver 206 may
receive a standing, such as permission to cross a pre-designated bridge
214. The standing may then be displayed by the display 220. In one
embodiment, the display 220 may comprise an audio display, such as a
speaker. In this embodiment, for instance, the standing may be
communicated to the driver via an audible announcement, a tone, a musical
selection, a simulated voice, or a series of tones. In another
embodiment, the display 220 may comprise a visual display, such as a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LED's),
one or more Organic LED's (OLED's), or a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). In an
embodiment, the display 220 is positioned in the vehicle, where it may be
easily viewed by the driver or one or more passengers, such as on a
dashboard, on a console, on a rearview mirror, or the like. Further, the
display 220 may utilize text-based messages, symbols, indicia, or other
identifiable visual characters, symbols, or lights to communicate one or
more standings to the driver or the passengers of the vehicle 100.

[0131]It is further contemplated that the vehicle 100 or the device 200
may include a second transmitter (in an embodiment, the transmitter 120
comprises this second transmitter) for transmitting information
associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of the transmitted
status to an off-site entity. In an embodiment, the off-site entity 144
may be equipped with a billboard for displaying a message to the vehicle
100 regarding a standing. Alternatively, another off-site entity, such as
a billboard or an electronic sign, may be provided separately from the
off-site entity 144, and the transmitter 120 may communicate an assigned
standing to the other off-site entity for display to the driver of the
vehicle 100, or to one or more passengers. The off-site entity may
comprise a visual display, as previously described, or alternatively, may
comprise an audio display, such as a horn, a whistle, or a siren.
Further, the off-site entity may comprise a database.

[0132]The vehicle 100 may include a memory 222 for storing data regarding
the status of the vehicle 100, i.e., data indicative of one or more of
combustible fuel utilization, electricity utilization, and combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization. For instance,
the memory 222 may store data regarding how long the vehicle 100 was
operated in a combustible fuel utilization mode versus how long the
vehicle 100 was operated in an electricity utilization mode. Further, the
vehicle 100 may include a memory 222 for storing data regarding the
transmission of the status of the vehicle 100, i.e., data indicative of
when one or more of combustible fuel utilization information, electricity
utilization information, and combustible fuel utilization in comparison
to electricity utilization information was transmitted by the transmitter
120. It will be appreciated that the memory 222 may store such
information in an encrypted format. Further, it will be appreciated that
the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle 100 in an
encrypted format.

[0133]In addition to transmitting the status of the vehicle 100, the
transmitter 120 may transmit additional information which may be of
interest to a receiver of the information, such as the road authority, or
the like. For instance, the transmitter 120 may transmit information
including vehicle identification (e.g., a Vehicle Identification Number
(190)), operator identification (e.g., a driver's license number), a time
(e.g., the time of the transmission), a location (e.g., the location of
the transmission), a direction (e.g., a cardinal direction such as north
or south), or a speed (e.g., the speed of the vehicle 100).

[0134]Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations. For
ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initial
flowcharts present implementations via an example implementation and
thereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementations
and/or expansions of the initial flowchart(s) as either sub-component
operations or additional component operations building on one or more
earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will
appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g.,
beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an example
implementation and thereafter providing additions to and/or further
details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easy
understanding of the various process implementations. In addition, those
skilled in the art will further appreciate that the style of presentation
used herein also lends itself well to modular and/or object-oriented
program design paradigms.

[0135]FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow 1100 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle and allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle. In FIG. 11 and in following figures that include
various examples of operational flows, discussion and explanation may be
provided with respect to the above-described examples of FIGS. 1 through
10, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it
should be understood that the operational flows may be executed in a
number of other environments and contexts, and/or in modified versions of
FIGS. 1 through 10. Also, although the various operational flows are
presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that
the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which
are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

[0136]After a start operation, the operational flow 1100 moves to an
operation 1110. Operation 1110 depicts receiving at least one of a status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of
electricity utilization for a hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the vehicle 100 may transmit (e.g., utilizing the
transmitter 120) a status indicative of, for example, one or more of
combustible fuel utilization and electricity utilization for the vehicle
100. In an embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may receive the status
transmitted by the vehicle 100.

[0137]Then, operation 1120 depicts allocating a standing based upon the at
least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the
standing is allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may be allocated by the off-site
entity 144 upon receipt of the status from of the vehicle 100. In an
embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may include a road authority, or the
like.

[0138]FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.

[0139]Additional operations may include an operation 1202, and/or an
operation 1204.

[0140]The operation 1202 illustrates wirelessly receiving the at least one
of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For
example, as shown in

[0141]FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status for
the vehicle 100 via the wireless signal 122, which may be received by
off-site entity 144. Further, the operation 1204 illustrates wirelessly
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle via at least one of a radio signal, a microwave signal, a
terahertz signal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, an ultraviolet
signal, a subsonic signal, an audible signal, an ultrasonic signal, or a
magnetic signal. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
transmitter 120 may transmit the status for the vehicle 100 via an
optical (i.e., visible to a human eye) signal, which may be received by
the off-site entity 144.

[0142]FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1302, and/or an operation
1304.

[0143]The operation 1302 illustrates connecting to the hybrid vehicle for
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
transmitter 120 can be coupled with a connector 142 for connecting to the
off-site entity 144. The off-site entity 144 can then receive the status
of the vehicle. Further, the operation 1304 illustrates connecting to the
hybrid vehicle for receiving the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle via at least one of a serial port, a
serial cable, an IEEE 1394 interface, a parallel port, a parallel cable,
a network port, a network cable, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a USB
cable, a fiber optic port, or a fiber optic cable. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle 100 may be received by
the off-site entity 144 via an IEEE 1394 interface connection 149.

[0144]FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1402, and/or an operation
1404.

[0145]The operation 1402 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a
physical media. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
transmitter 120 may also be utilized to transmit the status for the
vehicle 100 via the physical media 166. In an embodiment, the physical
media 166 is provided to the off-site entity 144. Further, the operation
1404 illustrates receiving the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a physical media comprising at
least one of a removable media, an optical disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a
CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a DVD-ROM, a
DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a Blu-ray Disc (BD), a
High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk Drive (HDD), an
external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, a memory card, or a
smart key. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the
vehicle 100 may be received by the off-site entity 144 via a removable
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 180 from the vehicle 100.

[0146]FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1502, and/or an operation
1504.

[0147]The operation 1502 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a visual
indicator on the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the status of the vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the off-site
entity 144 via a visual indicator 190 positioned on the vehicle 100.
Further, the operation 1504 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a visual
indicator on the hybrid vehicle comprising a light positioned on at least
one of a dashboard, a rear window ledge, or an exterior of the hybrid
vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the
vehicle 100 may be received by the off-site entity 144 from a light 192
positioned on a rear window ledge of the vehicle 100.

[0148]FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1602, and/or an operation
1604.

[0149]The operation 1602 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from an
aftermarket part. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status
may be received by the off-site entity 144 from a transmitter 120
included with an aftermarket part.

[0150]The operation 1604 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from at
least one of the Internet, a personal communication device, a personal
computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, or a mobile telephone. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status may be received from
a personal computer coupled with the transmitter 120. In an embodiment,
the personal computer may be selectively coupled with the vehicle 100,
such as via a wireless network communications link, or the like.

[0151]FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1702, and/or an operation
1704.

[0152]The operation 1702 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from a
transmitter coupled with a determination module comprising
instrumentation for determining the at least one of the status indicative
of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the transmitter 120 may be coupled with the determination
module 196 for determining the status for the vehicle 100 and then
transmitting the status for receipt by the off-site entity 144.

[0153]The operation 1704 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from a
transmitter coupled with a determination module comprising a receiver for
receiving the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
transmitter 120 may be coupled with the determination module 196 in a
configuration where the determination module 196 includes a receiver 202.
The receiver 202 is configured to receive the status for the vehicle 100
(e.g., from power-selection instrumentation), and the transmitter 120 is
configured to transmit the status for receipt by the off-site entity 144.

[0154]FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 1802, and/or an operation
1804.

[0155]The operation 1802 illustrates wirelessly receiving the at least one
of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from a
personal computer coupled with a determination module for determining the
at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or
the status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status for the vehicle
may be wirelessly transmitted to the off-site entity 144 by a personal
computer 203 coupled with the determination module 196.

[0156]The operation 1804 illustrates wirelessly receiving the at least one
of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle from a
mobile telephone connected to a personal computer coupled with a
determination module for determining the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the status for the vehicle may be wirelessly
transmitted to the off-site entity 144 by a mobile telephone 205
connected to the personal computer 203, where the personal computer 203
is coupled with the determination module 196. In an embodiment, the
mobile telephone 205 may be connected to the personal computer via a USB
link, a network link (e.g., via a network cable), an IEEEE 1394
interface, a Bluetooth link, or via another connection scheme as desired.

[0157]FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.

[0158]Additional operations may include an operation 1902, and/or an
operation 1904.

[0159]The operation 1902 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle via a
computer network from a personal computer coupled with a determination
module for determining the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the status for the vehicle may be transmitted to the off-site
entity 144 by the personal computer 203 coupled with the determination
module 196, where the personal computer 203 transmits the status via a
computer network 207, (e.g., the Internet).

[0160]The operation 1904 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based upon a
schedule. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status for the
vehicle 100 may be transmitted by the transmitter 120 for receipt by the
off-site entity 144 based upon a daily schedule.

[0161]FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2002, and/or an operation
2004.

[0162]The operation 2002 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based upon a
location for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle 100 based
upon a location, such as when the vehicle 100 crosses from one region
into another. The off-site entity 144 may then receive the status based
upon the location for the vehicle 100.

[0163]The operation 2004 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle based upon a
change in driving mode for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the
vehicle 100 based upon a change in driving mode, such as when the vehicle
100 switches from one fuel source to another. The off-site entity 144 may
then receive the status based upon the change in driving mode.

[0164]FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2102.

[0165]The operation 2102 illustrates receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle in an
encrypted data format. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle 100 in an
encrypted data format for receipt by the off-site entity 144. In an
embodiment, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme. However, it is contemplated
that a variety of other encryption schemes may be utilized as well.

[0166]FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow 2200 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and calculating a time for receiving the status.
FIG. 22 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational
flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2210.

[0167]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 2200 moves to an operation 2210. Operation 2210
illustrates calculating a time for receiving the at least one of the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 may utilize
a processor 104 for scheduling a time to transmit the status of the
vehicle 100. Further, the off-site entity may include a processor 145 for
calculating a time to receive the status transmitted by the transmitter
120.

[0168]FIG. 23 illustrates an operational flow 2300 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and receiving a selection associated with the
hybrid vehicle. FIG. 23 illustrates an example embodiment where the
example operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation
2310.

[0169]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 2300 moves to an operation 2310. Operation 2310
illustrates receiving a selection associated with the hybrid vehicle
indicating the hybrid vehicle will selectively utilize one or more
standings based on the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the operator of the vehicle 100 may utilize the selection module 208
to selectively utilize one or more standings. The selection of the one or
more standings may be transmitted to the off-site entity 144 via the
transmitter 120.

[0170]FIG. 24 illustrates an operational flow 2400 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and querying for the status. FIG. 24 illustrates
an example embodiment where the example operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11
may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 2410, an operation 2412, and/or an operation 2414.

[0171]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 2400 moves to an operation 2410. Operation 2410
illustrates querying for the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the road authority may query the vehicle 100 for its status.

[0172]The operation 2412 illustrates querying to verify the hybrid
vehicle's compliance with utilization restrictions. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may query the vehicle 100
for its status to verify the vehicle's compliance with fuel utilization
requirements for geographical region.

[0173]The operation 2414 illustrates broadcasting the query to the hybrid
vehicle and at least a second vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the off-site entity 144 may broadcast the query to multiple
vehicles.

[0174]FIG. 25 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 25 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 2410 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2502, and/or an operation
2504.

[0175]The operation 2502 illustrates directly querying the hybrid vehicle
for the at least one of the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or the status indicative of electricity utilization for the
hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site
entity 144 may transmit the query directly to the vehicle 100, such as
utilizing a line-of-sight transmission (e.g., a laser beam) or the like.
Further, the operation 2504 illustrates directly querying the hybrid
vehicle based upon an occupant of the hybrid vehicle. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit the
query directly (e.g., utilizing a line-of-sight transmission) to the
vehicle 100 based upon an identified occupant of the vehicle. The
occupant may be identified utilizing an image capture device (e.g., a
digital camera) and facial recognition software configured to execute on
the processor 145, for instance.

[0176]FIG. 26 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 2410 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2602, and/or an operation
2604.

[0177]The operation 2602 illustrates querying based upon a schedule. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may
transmit a query to the vehicle 100 based upon a schedule. The processor
145 may be utilized to calculate the schedule.

[0178]The operation 2604 illustrates querying based upon a location for
the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
off-site entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle 100 based upon a
location for the vehicle 100. The location may be determined by a locator
module 147, which may include vehicle location hardware or software,
connections to one or more traffic cameras, or access to satellite
tracking information, among other techniques for tracking the vehicle
100.

[0179]FIG. 27 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 27 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 2410 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2702, and/or an operation
2704.

[0180]The operation 2702 illustrates querying based upon a change in
driving mode for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle
based upon a change in driving mode, such as a switch from utilizing the
second drive train 104 to utilizing the first drive train 102.

[0181]The operation 2704 illustrates querying before the hybrid vehicle
enters at least one of a pre-designated roadway, a region, a
pre-designated bridge, a pre-designated parking lot, a pre-designated
parking spot, or a queue for at least one of refueling the combustible
fuel or recharging one or more batteries. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle
before the vehicle enters a pre-designated roadway (e.g., as determined
by the locator module 147).

[0182]FIG. 28 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 28 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 2410 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2802, and/or an operation
2804.

[0183]The operation 2802 illustrates querying based upon a past behavior
of the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
off-site entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle based upon a past
behavior of the vehicle, such as a past utilization of combustible fuel
by the vehicle 100.

[0184]The operation 2804 illustrates instructing a transmitter to query
the hybrid vehicle for the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the off-site entity 144 may instruct another entity, such as
a transmitter 151, to query the vehicle 100 for its status.

[0185]FIG. 29 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 29 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 2410 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 2902, and/or an operation
2904.

[0186]The operation 2902 illustrates querying a receiver for the at least
one of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the
status indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle may be
received by another entity, (i.e., an entity other than the off-site
entity 144), such as a receiver 153. In an embodiment, the off-site
entity 144 may query the receiver 153 for the status, which may be
transmitted to the off-site entity 144 (e.g., via transmitter 151).
Further, the operation 2904 illustrates querying at least one of a
refueling station, a recharging station, a roadside monitor, an emissions
monitor, or an electromagnetic monitor for the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the receiver 153 may comprise a refueling station
(e.g., for refueling the vehicle 100 with combustible fuel) or a
recharging station (e.g., for recharging one or more batteries included
with the vehicle 100). The vehicle 100 may provide the refueling station
with its status (e.g., via the connector 142, the physical media 166, or
the like). The refueling station is queried by the off-site entity 144
and transmits the status obtained from the vehicle 100 to the off-site
entity 144 (e.g., via the transmitter 151). Alternatively, the receiver
153 may be a monitor positioned proximal to a roadway, such as a roadside
monitor, or the like. The roadside monitor may utilize a microphone, or a
like device, to determine a noise output for the vehicle 100 as it drives
along the roadway. The noise output of the vehicle 100 may be utilized to
determine a status for the vehicle 100. The transmitter 151 may be
utilized to transmit the status for the vehicle 100 to the off-site
entity 144. In an embodiment, the receiver 153 may include an emissions
monitor for determining a status for the vehicle 100 based upon a
combustion-product (or byproduct) emission, which may be created as the
vehicle 100 expends combustible fuel for propulsion. In another
embodiment, the receiver 153 may include an electromagnetic monitor for
determining a status for the vehicle 100 based upon an electromagnetic
emission, such as an electromagnetic field created by a motor for
propelling the vehicle 100 when utilizing one or more batteries. It will
be appreciated that other monitors may be positioned proximal to a path
of the vehicle 100 for determining the status of the vehicle 100.

[0187]FIG. 30 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 30 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3002.

[0188]The operation 3002 illustrates allocating a selection of standings
based upon the status (i.e., transmitting data indicative of a selectable
set of standings allocated upon receipt of the status). For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may allocate more
than one standing (e.g., a selectable set of standings) to the vehicle
100. For example, in an embodiment, the driver of the vehicle 100 may be
presented with a selection of standings from which to choose. After
choosing one or more of the standings, the unselected standings may be
saved, transferred, eliminated, or even exchanged for another set of one
or more standings.

[0189]FIG. 31 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 31 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3102, an operation 3104,
and/or an operation 3106.

[0190]The operation 3102 illustrates transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit data indicative
of the standing of the vehicle 100 upon receipt of the vehicle's status.
For example, propelling the vehicle 100 with electricity (e.g., by
utilizing batteries 114) may be rewarded by the allocation of a privilege
to the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, data indicative of the standing of
the vehicle may include a message, a set of characters, a code, a
numerical designation, or a variety of other information which may be
meaningfully interpreted by the driver or an occupant of the vehicle 100,
or by the display 220 (or associated hardware or software) for
presentation to the driver or an occupant. Further, the operation 3104
illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising
permission for the hybrid vehicle to utilize a pre-designated roadway.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a
privilege such as permission for the vehicle 100 to utilize the
pre-designated roadway 210. Further, the operation 3106 illustrates
transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising permission for the
hybrid vehicle to drive within a region. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for
the vehicle 100 to drive within the region 212.

[0191]FIG. 32 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 32 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3202, and/or an operation
3204. Further, the operation 3202 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
cross a pre-designated bridge. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for the
vehicle 100 to cross the pre-designated bridge 214. Further, the
operation 3204 illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing
comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to utilize a pre-designated
parking lot. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing
may comprise a privilege such as permission for the vehicle 100 to
utilize the pre-designated parking lot 216.

[0192]FIG. 33 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 33 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3302, and/or an operation
3304. Further, the operation 3302 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the hybrid vehicle to
utilize a pre-designated parking spot. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for
the vehicle 100 to utilize the pre-designated parking spot 218. Further,
the operation 3304 illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing
comprising an advanced position in a queue for at least one of refueling
the combustible fuel or recharging one or more batteries. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such
as an advanced position in a queue for the vehicle 100 to recharge one or
more batteries.

[0193]FIG. 34 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 34 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3402, and/or an operation
3404. Further, the operation 3402 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising a qualification for at least one of a
tax benefit, an insurance benefit, a reduction in fees, a reduction in
recharging costs, or a reduction in refueling costs. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such
as a qualification for the driver of the vehicle 100 to receive a
reduction in fueling costs. Further, the operation 3404 illustrates
transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising a tax, a fee, an
increase in recharging costs, an increase in refueling costs, an
elimination of a privilege, a revocation of a privilege, or a partial
reduction in a privilege. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the standing may comprise a penalty, such as the elimination of a
privilege. For example, in an embodiment, the elimination of a privilege
may include not being able to utilize the pre-designated parking lot 216.

[0194]FIG. 35 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 35 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3502, and/or an operation
3504. Further, the operation 3502 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing that is at least one of reduced or eliminated
when an alternate route including public transportation is available for
at least one passenger of the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be reduced or
eliminated when an alternate route including public transportation was
available for a driver or a passenger of the vehicle 100. Further, the
operation 3504 illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing
that is at least one of increased, reduced, or eliminated based upon a
number of passengers in the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be eliminated
based upon a number of passengers in the vehicle 100, such as only the
driver.

[0195]FIG. 36 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 36 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3602, and/or an operation
3604. Further, the operation 3602 illustrates formatting the transmitted
data for a display positioned in the hybrid vehicle for displaying
information associated with the standing. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1 through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the
vehicle 100 and formatted for the display 220. Further, the operation
3604 illustrates formatting the transmitted data for at least one of an
audio display or a visual display positioned in the hybrid vehicle for
displaying information associated with the standing. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be
transmitted to the vehicle 100 and formatted for a visual display, such
as encoded with graphical picture element (pixel) information.

[0196]FIG. 37 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 37 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3702. Further, the
operation 3702 illustrates transmitting information associated with the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status to an off-site entity. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing allocated to the
vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the receiver 153. The receiver 153 may
then forward the standing to the vehicle 100. Further, the receiver 153
may include a database for storing the standing. In an embodiment, the
receiver 153 may include one or more of a removable media, an optical
disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile
Disc (DVD), a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a
Blu-ray Disc (BD), a High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), an external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a
memory card for storing information associated with the standing for the
vehicle 100.

[0197]FIG. 38 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 38 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3802. Further, the
operation 3802 illustrates storing information associated with the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may store information
associated with the standing for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may store the information associated with the
standing in storage 155 (e.g., a removable media, an optical disc, a
Compact Disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile Disc
(DVD), a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a
Blu-ray Disc (BD), a High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), an external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a
memory card). Further, the off-site entity 144 may store the information
in storage 155 in an encrypted format (e.g., utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0198]FIG. 39 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 39 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 1120 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 3902. Further, the
operation 3902 illustrates storing data regarding the transmission of the
information associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of the
status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity
144 may store data regarding the transmission of the information
associated with the standing for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may store the information associated with the
standing in storage 155, as previously described. Further, the off-site
entity 144 may store the data in storage 155 in an encrypted format
(e.g., utilizing a public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0199]FIG. 40 illustrates an operational flow 4000 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and storing data regarding the status. FIG. 40
illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational flow 1100
of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation. Additional
operations may include an operation 4010.

[0200]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4000 moves to an operation 4010. Operation 4010
illustrates storing data regarding the at least one of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of
electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may store data regarding the
status for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the off-site entity 144
may store the status associated with the vehicle 100 in storage 155.
Further, the off-site entity 144 may store the data in storage 155 in an
encrypted format (e.g., utilizing a public-key/private-key encryption
scheme or the like).

[0201]FIG. 41 illustrates an operational flow 4100 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and storing data regarding the transmission of
the status. FIG. 41 illustrates an example embodiment where the example
operational flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 4110.

[0202]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4100 moves to an operation 4110. Operation 4110
illustrates storing data regarding the transmission of the at least one
of the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the hybrid vehicle. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may
store data regarding the transmission of the status for the vehicle 100.
In one embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may store the data associated
with the status in storage 155, as previously described. Further, the
off-site entity 144 may store the data in storage 155 in an encrypted
format (e.g., utilizing a public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the
like).

[0203]FIG. 42 illustrates an operational flow 4200 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and receiving at least one of a hybrid vehicle
identification, an operator identification, a time, a location, a
direction, or a speed associated with the hybrid vehicle. FIG. 42
illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational flow 1100
of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation. Additional
operations may include an operation 4210.

[0204]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4200 moves to an operation 4210. Operation 4210
illustrates receiving at least one of a hybrid vehicle identification, an
operator identification, a time, a location, a direction, or a speed
associated with the hybrid vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit an identification for the
vehicle 100 for receipt by the off-site entity 144.

[0205]FIG. 43 illustrates an operational flow 4300 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and canceling a penalty utilizing the standing.
FIG. 43 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational
flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 4310.

[0206]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4300 moves to an operation 4310. Operation 4310
illustrates canceling a penalty utilizing the standing allocated upon
receipt of the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
standing allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status
for the vehicle 100 may be utilized to cancel a penalty. For example, a
standing including permission to utilize a pre-designated roadway may be
utilized instead to cancel a tax levied against the vehicle 100 as a
penalty.

[0207]FIG. 44 illustrates an operational flow 4400 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and reducing a penalty utilizing the standing.
FIG. 44 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational
flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 4410.

[0208]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4400 moves to an operation 4410. Operation 4410
illustrates reducing a penalty utilizing the standing allocated upon
receipt of the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
standing allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status
for the vehicle 100 may be utilized to reduce a penalty. For example, a
standing including permission to utilize a pre-designated parking spot
may be utilized instead to reduce a tax levied against to the vehicle 100
as a penalty.

[0209]FIG. 45 illustrates an operational flow 4500 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and selling the standing to a second entity. FIG.
45 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational flow
1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation. Additional
operations may include an operation 4510.

[0210]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4500 moves to an operation 4510. Operation 4510
illustrates selling the standing to a second entity. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may be sold to another vehicle.
Alternatively, the standing may be sold to an individual. For example,
the driver may purchase the standing for transfer to another vehicle.
Further, the standing may be sold to an authority, such as a local
government, a state government, or a federal government.

[0211]FIG. 46 illustrates an operational flow 4600 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and transferring the standing to a second entity.
FIG. 46 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational
flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 4610.

[0212]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4600 moves to an operation 4610. Operation 4610
illustrates transferring the standing to a second entity. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may be transferred to another
vehicle. Alternatively, the standing may be transferred to an individual.
For example, the driver may acquire the standing for transfer to another
vehicle. Further, the standing may be transferred to an authority, such
as a local government, a state government, or a federal government.

[0213]FIG. 47 illustrates an operational flow 4700 representing example
operations related to receiving at least one of a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or a status indicative of electricity
utilization for a hybrid vehicle, allocating a standing based upon the
status for the vehicle, and transferring the standing to an individual.
FIG. 47 illustrates an example embodiment where the example operational
flow 1100 of FIG. 11 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 4710.

[0214]After a start operation, an operation 1110, and an operation 1120,
the operational flow 4700 moves to an operation 4710. Operation 4710
illustrates transferring the standing to an individual. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing allocated by the off-site
entity 144 upon receipt of the status for the vehicle 100 may be
transferred to an individual. For example, a standing associated with the
vehicle 100 may be transferred to the driver of the vehicle or one or
more occupants thereof.

[0215]Further, the standing may be dependent upon at least one of a driver
of the hybrid vehicle, an occupant of the hybrid vehicle, an
identification for the hybrid vehicle, a time of day, a driving history
for the hybrid vehicle, a history of standings for the hybrid vehicle, a
number of standings accumulated for the hybrid vehicle, a user selection
from a list of acceptable standings, an expiration of a standing, a time
period during which a standing is valid, or a geographical region in
which a standing is valid. In an embodiment, the standing allocated by
the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status for the vehicle 100
may be dependent upon the driver of the hybrid vehicle. For example, the
standing may include permission to utilize a pre-designated parking spot
in a parking lot proximal to a place of employment for the driver of the
vehicle 100.

[0216]FIG. 48 illustrates an operational flow 4800 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle and
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle. In FIG. 48
and in following figures that include various examples of operational
flows, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the
above-described examples of FIGS. 1 through 10, and/or with respect to
other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the
operational flows may be executed in a number of other environments and
contexts, and/or in modified versions of FIGS. 1 through 10. Also,
although the various operational flows are presented in the sequence(s)
illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be
performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be
performed concurrently.

[0217]After a start operation, the operational flow 4800 moves to an
operation 4810. Operation 4810 depicts receiving a status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
a vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the vehicle 100
may transmit (e.g., utilizing the transmitter 120) a status indicative
of, for example, combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may receive the status transmitted by the vehicle
100.

[0218]Then, operation 4820 depicts allocating a standing based upon the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is
allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the standing may be allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon
receipt of the status from of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may include a road authority, or the like.

[0219]FIG. 49 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 4902, and/or an operation
4904.

[0220]The operation 4902 illustrates wirelessly receiving the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the transmitter 120 may transmit the status for the vehicle 100 via the
wireless signal 122, which may be received by off-site entity 144.
Further, the operation 4904 illustrates wirelessly receiving the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle via at least one of a radio signal, a
microwave signal, a terahertz signal, an infrared signal, an optical
signal, an ultraviolet signal, a subsonic signal, an audible signal, an
ultrasonic signal, or a magnetic signal. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status for the vehicle
100 via an optical (i.e., visible to a human eye) signal, which may be
received by the off-site entity 144.

[0221]FIG. 50 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 50 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5002, and/or an operation
5004.

[0222]The operation 5002 illustrates connecting to the vehicle for
receiving the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in
comparison to electricity utilization for the vehicle. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 can be coupled with a
connector 142 for connecting to the off-site entity 144. The off-site
entity 144 can then receive the status of the vehicle. Further, the
operation 5004 illustrates connecting to the vehicle for receiving the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle via at least one of a serial
port, a serial cable, an IEEE 1394 interface, a parallel port, a parallel
cable, a network port, a network cable, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
port, a USB cable, a fiber optic port, or a fiber optic cable. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle 100
may be received by the off-site entity 144 via an IEEE 1394 interface
connection 149.

[0223]FIG. 51 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 51 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5102, and/or an operation
5104.

[0224]The operation 5102 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle via a physical media. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the transmitter 120 may also be utilized to transmit the
status for the vehicle 100 via the physical media 166. In an embodiment,
the physical media 166 is provided to the off-site entity 144. Further,
the operation 5104 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle via a physical media comprising at least one of a removable
media, an optical disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a
DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a Blu-ray Disc (BD), a High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a
removable Hard Disk Drive (HDD), an external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus
(USB) drive, a memory card, or a smart key. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle 100 may be received by the
off-site entity 144 via a removable Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 180 from the
vehicle 100.

[0225]FIG. 52 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 52 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5202, and/or an operation
5204.

[0226]The operation 5202 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle via a visual indicator on the vehicle. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle 100 may be transmitted
to the off-site entity 144 via a visual indicator 190 positioned on the
vehicle 100. Further, the operation 5204 illustrates receiving the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle via a visual indicator on the vehicle
comprising a light positioned on at least one of a dashboard, a rear
window ledge, or an exterior of the vehicle. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the status of the vehicle 100 may be received by the
off-site entity 144 from a light 192 positioned on a rear window ledge of
the vehicle 100.

[0227]FIG. 53 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 53 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5302, and/or an operation
5304.

[0228]The operation 5302 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle from an aftermarket part. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the status may be received by the off-site entity 144 from a
transmitter 120 included with an aftermarket part.

[0229]The operation 5304 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle from at least one of the Internet, a personal communication
device, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a portable media player, or a mobile
telephone. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status may be
received from a personal computer coupled with the transmitter 120. In an
embodiment, the personal computer may be selectively coupled with the
vehicle 100, such as via a wireless network communications link, or the
like.

[0230]FIG. 54 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 54 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5402, and/or an operation
5404.

[0231]The operation 5402 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle from a transmitter coupled with a determination module
comprising instrumentation for determining the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter
120 may be coupled with the determination module 196 for determining the
status for the vehicle 100 and then transmitting the status for receipt
by the off-site entity 144.

[0232]The operation 5404 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle from a transmitter coupled with a determination module
comprising a receiver for receiving the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the
vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120
may be coupled with the determination module 196 in a configuration where
the determination module 196 includes a receiver 202. The receiver 202 is
configured to receive the status for the vehicle 100 (e.g., from
power-selection instrumentation), and the transmitter 120 is configured
to transmit the status for receipt by the off-site entity 144.

[0233]FIG. 55 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 55 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5502, and/or an operation
5504.

[0234]The operation 5502 illustrates wirelessly receiving the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle from a personal computer coupled with a
determination module for determining the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the
vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status for the
vehicle may be wirelessly transmitted to the off-site entity 144 by a
personal computer 203 coupled with the determination module 196.

[0235]The operation 5504 illustrates wirelessly receiving the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle from a mobile telephone connected to a
personal computer coupled with a determination module for determining the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the status for the vehicle may be wirelessly transmitted to
the off-site entity 144 by a mobile telephone 205 connected to the
personal computer 203, where the personal computer 203 is coupled with
the determination module 196. In an embodiment, the mobile telephone 205
may be connected to the personal computer via a USB link, a network link
(e.g., via a network cable), an IEEEE 1394 interface, a Bluetooth link,
or via another connection scheme as desired.

[0236]FIG. 56 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 56 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5602, and/or an operation
5604.

[0237]The operation 5602 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle via a computer network from a personal computer coupled with
a determination module for determining the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the status for
the vehicle may be transmitted to the off-site entity 144 by the personal
computer 203 coupled with the determination module 196, where the
personal computer 203 transmits the status via a computer network 207,
(e.g., the Internet).

[0238]The operation 5604 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle based upon a schedule. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the status for the vehicle 100 may be transmitted by the
transmitter 120 for receipt by the off-site entity 144 based upon a daily
schedule.

[0239]FIG. 57 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 57 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5702, and/or an operation
5704.

[0240]The operation 5702 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle based upon a location for the vehicle. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the
vehicle 100 based upon a location, such as when the vehicle 100 crosses
from one region into another. The off-site entity 144 may then receive
the status based upon the location for the vehicle 100.

[0241]The operation 5704 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle based upon a change in driving mode for the vehicle. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit
the status of the vehicle 100 based upon a change in driving mode, such
as when the vehicle 100 switches from one fuel source to another. The
off-site entity 144 may then receive the status based upon the change in
driving mode.

[0242]FIG. 58 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 58 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4810 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 5802.

[0243]The operation 5802 illustrates receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle in an encrypted data format. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status of the vehicle
100 in an encrypted data format for receipt by the off-site entity 144.
In an embodiment, the transmitter 120 may transmit the status utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme. However, it is contemplated
that a variety of other encryption schemes may be utilized as well.

[0244]FIG. 59 illustrates an operational flow 5900 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
calculating a time for receiving the status. FIG. 59 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 5910.

[0245]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 5900 moves to an operation 5910. Operation 5910
illustrates calculating a time for receiving the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for
the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the transmitter
120 may utilize a processor 104 for scheduling a time to transmit the
status of the vehicle 100. Further, the off-site entity may include a
processor 145 for calculating a time to receive the status transmitted by
the transmitter 120.

[0246]FIG. 60 illustrates an operational flow 6000 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
receiving a selection associated with the vehicle. FIG. 60 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 6010.

[0247]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 6000 moves to an operation 6010. Operation 6010
illustrates receiving a selection associated with the vehicle indicating
the vehicle will selectively utilize one or more standings based on the
status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the operator of the
vehicle 100 may utilize the selection module 208 to selectively utilize
one or more standings. The selection of the one or more standings may be
transmitted to the off-site entity 144 via the transmitter 120.

[0248]FIG. 61 illustrates an operational flow 6100 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and querying
for the status. FIG. 61 illustrates an example embodiment where the
example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation
6110, an operation 6112, and/or an operation 6114.

[0249]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 6100 moves to an operation 6110. Operation 6110
illustrates querying for the status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the vehicle. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the road authority may query the
vehicle 100 for its status.

[0250]The operation 6112 illustrates querying to verify the vehicle's
compliance with utilization restrictions. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may query the vehicle 100 for its
status to verify the vehicle's compliance with fuel utilization
requirements for geographical region.

[0251]The operation 6114 illustrates broadcasting the query to the vehicle
and at least a second vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the off-site entity 144 may broadcast the query to multiple vehicles.

[0252]FIG. 62 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 6100 of FIG. 61. FIG. 62 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 6110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6202, and/or an operation
6204.

[0253]The operation 6202 illustrates directly querying the vehicle for the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit the query directly to
the vehicle 100, such as utilizing a line-of-sight transmission (e.g., a
laser beam) or the like. Further, the operation 6204 illustrates directly
querying the vehicle based upon an occupant of the vehicle. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit the
query directly (e.g., utilizing a line-of-sight transmission) to the
vehicle 100 based upon an identified occupant of the vehicle. The
occupant may be identified utilizing an image capture device (e.g., a
digital camera) and facial recognition software configured to execute on
the processor 145, for instance.

[0254]FIG. 63 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 6100 of FIG. 61. FIG. 63 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 6110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6302, and/or an operation
6304.

[0255]The operation 6302 illustrates querying based upon a schedule. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may
transmit a query to the vehicle 100 based upon a schedule. The processor
145 may be utilized to calculate the schedule.

[0256]The operation 6304 illustrates querying based upon a location for
the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site
entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle 100 based upon a location
for the vehicle 100. The location may be determined by a locator module
147, which may include vehicle location hardware or software, connections
to one or more traffic cameras, or access to satellite tracking
information, among other techniques for tracking the vehicle 100.

[0257]FIG. 64 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 6100 of FIG. 61. FIG. 64 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 6110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6402, and/or an operation
6404.

[0258]The operation 6402 illustrates querying based upon a change in
driving mode for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle based
upon a change in driving mode, such as a switch from utilizing the second
drive train 104 to utilizing the first drive train 102.

[0259]The operation 6404 illustrates querying before the vehicle enters at
least one of a pre-designated roadway, a region, a pre-designated bridge,
a pre-designated parking lot, a pre-designated parking spot, or a queue
for at least one of refueling the combustible fuel or recharging one or
more batteries. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site
entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle before the vehicle enters
a pre-designated roadway (e.g., as determined by the locator module 147).

[0260]FIG. 65 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 6100 of FIG. 61. FIG. 65 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 6110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6502, and/or an operation
6504.

[0261]The operation 6502 illustrates querying based upon a past behavior
of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site
entity 144 may transmit a query to the vehicle based upon a past behavior
of the vehicle, such as a past utilization of combustible fuel by the
vehicle 100.

[0262]The operation 6504 illustrates instructing a transmitter to query
the vehicle for the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in
comparison to electricity utilization for the vehicle. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may instruct another
entity, such as a transmitter 151, to query the vehicle 100 for its
status.

[0263]FIG. 66 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 6100 of FIG. 61. FIG. 66 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 6110 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6602, and/or an operation
6604.

[0264]The operation 6602 illustrates querying a receiver for the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the status of the vehicle may be received by another entity, (i.e., an
entity other than the off-site entity 144), such as a receiver 153. In an
embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may query the receiver 153 for the
status, which may be transmitted to the off-site entity 144 (e.g., via
transmitter 151). Further, the operation 6604 illustrates querying at
least one of a refueling station, a recharging station, a roadside
monitor, an emissions monitor, or an electromagnetic monitor for the
status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to
electricity utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the receiver 153 may comprise a refueling station (e.g., for
refueling the vehicle 100 with combustible fuel) or a recharging station
(e.g., for recharging one or more batteries included with the vehicle
100). The vehicle 100 may provide the refueling station with its status
(e.g., via the connector 142, the physical media 166, or the like). The
refueling station is queried by the off-site entity 144 and transmits the
status obtained from the vehicle 100 to the off-site entity 144 (e.g.,
via the transmitter 151). Alternatively, the receiver 153 may be a
monitor positioned proximal to a roadway, such as a roadside monitor, or
the like. The roadside monitor may utilize a microphone, or a like
device, to determine a noise output for the vehicle 100 as it drives
along the roadway. The noise output of the vehicle 100 may be utilized to
determine a status for the vehicle 100. The transmitter 151 may be
utilized to transmit the status for the vehicle 100 to the off-site
entity 144. In an embodiment, the receiver 153 may include an emissions
monitor for determining a status for the vehicle 100 based upon a
combustion-product (or byproduct) emission, which may be created as the
vehicle 100 expends combustible fuel for propulsion. In another
embodiment, the receiver 153 may include an electromagnetic monitor for
determining a status for the vehicle 100 based upon an electromagnetic
emission, such as an electromagnetic field created by a motor for
propelling the vehicle 100 when utilizing one or more batteries. It will
be appreciated that other monitors may be positioned proximal to a path
of the vehicle 100 for determining the status of the vehicle 100.

[0265]FIG. 67 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 67 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6702.

[0266]The operation 6702 illustrates allocating a selection of standings
based upon the status (i.e., transmitting data indicative of a selectable
set of standings allocated upon receipt of the status). For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may allocate more
than one standing (e.g., a selectable set of standings) to the vehicle
100. For example, in an embodiment, the driver of the vehicle 100 may be
presented with a selection of standings from which to choose. After
choosing one or more of the standings, the unselected standings may be
saved, transferred, eliminated, or even exchanged for another set of one
or more standings.

[0267]FIG. 68 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 68 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6802, an operation 6804,
and/or an operation 6806.

[0268]The operation 6802 illustrates transmitting data indicative of the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may transmit data indicative
of the standing of the vehicle 100 upon receipt of the vehicle's status.
For example, propelling the vehicle 100 with electricity (e.g., by
utilizing batteries 114) may be rewarded by the allocation of a privilege
to the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, data indicative of the standing of
the vehicle may include a message, a set of characters, a code, a
numerical designation, or a variety of other information which may be
meaningfully interpreted by the driver or an occupant of the vehicle 100,
or by the display 220 (or associated hardware or software) for
presentation to the driver or an occupant. Further, the operation 6804
illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising
permission for the vehicle to utilize a pre-designated roadway. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a
privilege such as permission for the vehicle 100 to utilize the
pre-designated roadway 210. Further, the operation 6806 illustrates
transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising permission for the
vehicle to drive within a region. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for
the vehicle 100 to drive within the region 212.

[0269]FIG. 69 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 69 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 6902, and/or an operation
6904. Further, the operation 6902 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the vehicle to cross a
pre-designated bridge. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for the vehicle 100
to cross the pre-designated bridge 214. Further, the operation 6904
illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising
permission for the vehicle to utilize a pre-designated parking lot. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a
privilege such as permission for the vehicle 100 to utilize the
pre-designated parking lot 216.

[0270]FIG. 70 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 70 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7002, and/or an operation
7004. Further, the operation 7002 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising permission for the vehicle to utilize
a pre-designated parking spot. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the standing may comprise a privilege such as permission for the
vehicle 100 to utilize the pre-designated parking spot 218. Further, the
operation 7004 illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing
comprising an advanced position in a queue for at least one of refueling
the combustible fuel or recharging one or more batteries. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such
as an advanced position in a queue for the vehicle 100 to recharge one or
more batteries.

[0271]FIG. 71 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 71 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7102, and/or an operation
7104. Further, the operation 7102 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing comprising a qualification for at least one of a
tax benefit, an insurance benefit, a reduction in fees, a reduction in
recharging costs, or a reduction in refueling costs. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may comprise a privilege such
as a qualification for the driver of the vehicle 100 to receive a
reduction in fueling costs. Further, the operation 7104 illustrates
transmitting data indicative of a standing comprising a tax, a fee, an
increase in recharging costs, an increase in refueling costs, an
elimination of a privilege, a revocation of a privilege, or a partial
reduction in a privilege. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the standing may comprise a penalty, such as the elimination of a
privilege. For example, in an embodiment, the elimination of a privilege
may include not being able to utilize the pre-designated parking lot 216.

[0272]FIG. 72 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 72 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7202, and/or an operation
7204. Further, the operation 7202 illustrates transmitting data
indicative of a standing that is at least one of reduced or eliminated
when an alternate route including public transportation is available for
at least one passenger of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be reduced or eliminated
when an alternate route including public transportation was available for
a driver or a passenger of the vehicle 100. Further, the operation 7204
illustrates transmitting data indicative of a standing that is at least
one of increased, reduced, or eliminated based upon a number of
passengers in the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the standing of the vehicle 100 may be eliminated based upon a number of
passengers in the vehicle 100, such as only the driver.

[0273]FIG. 73 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 73 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7302, and/or an operation
7304. Further, the operation 7302 illustrates formatting the transmitted
data for a display positioned in the vehicle for displaying information
associated with the standing. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the vehicle 100
and formatted for the display 220. Further, the operation 7304
illustrates formatting the transmitted data for at least one of an audio
display or a visual display positioned in the vehicle for displaying
information associated with the standing. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1 through 10, the standing of the vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the
vehicle 100 and formatted for a visual display, such as encoded with
graphical picture element (pixel) information.

[0274]FIG. 74 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 74 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7402. Further, the
operation 7402 illustrates transmitting information associated with the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status to an off-site entity. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing allocated to the
vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the receiver 153. The receiver 153 may
then forward the standing to the vehicle 100. Further, the receiver 153
may include a database for storing the standing. In an embodiment, the
receiver 153 may include one or more of a removable media, an optical
disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile
Disc (DVD), a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a
Blu-ray Disc (BD), a High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), an external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a
memory card for storing information associated with the standing for the
vehicle 100.

[0275]FIG. 75 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 75 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7502. Further, the
operation 7502 illustrates storing information associated with the
standing allocated upon receipt of the status. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity 144 may store information
associated with the standing for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may store the information associated with the
standing in storage 155 (e.g., a removable media, an optical disc, a
Compact Disc (CD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a Digital Versatile Disc
(DVD), a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a
Blu-ray Disc (BD), a High-Definition DVD (HD DVD), a removable Hard Disk
Drive (HDD), an external HDD, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a
memory card). Further, the off-site entity 144 may store the information
in storage 155 in an encrypted format (e.g., utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0276]FIG. 76 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48. FIG. 76 illustrates example embodiments
where the operation 4820 may include at least one additional operation.
Additional operations may include an operation 7602. Further, the
operation 7602 illustrates storing data regarding the transmission of the
information associated with the standing allocated upon receipt of the
status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity
144 may store data regarding the transmission of the information
associated with the standing for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the
off-site entity 144 may store the information associated with the
standing in storage 155, as previously described. Further, the off-site
entity 144 may store the data in storage 155 in an encrypted format
(e.g., utilizing a public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0277]FIG. 77 illustrates an operational flow 7700 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and storing
data regarding the status. FIG. 77 illustrates an example embodiment
where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may include at least
one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation
7710.

[0278]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 7700 moves to an operation 7710. Operation 7710
illustrates storing data regarding the status indicative of combustible
fuel utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for the
vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the off-site entity
144 may store data regarding the status for the vehicle 100. In one
embodiment, the off-site entity 144 may store the status associated with
the vehicle 100 in storage 155. Further, the off-site entity 144 may
store the data in storage 155 in an encrypted format (e.g., utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0279]FIG. 78 illustrates an operational flow 7800 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and storing
data regarding the transmission of the status. FIG. 78 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 7810.

[0280]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 7800 moves to an operation 7810. Operation 7810
illustrates storing data regarding the transmission of the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the off-site entity 144 may store data regarding the transmission of the
status for the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the off-site entity 144
may store the data associated with the status in storage 155, as
previously described. Further, the off-site entity 144 may store the data
in storage 155 in an encrypted format (e.g., utilizing a
public-key/private-key encryption scheme or the like).

[0281]FIG. 79 illustrates an operational flow 7900 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
receiving at least one of a vehicle identification, an operator
identification, a time, a location, a direction, or a speed associated
with the vehicle. FIG. 79 illustrates an example embodiment where the
example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation
7910.

[0282]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 7900 moves to an operation 7910. Operation 7910
illustrates receiving at least one of a vehicle identification, an
operator identification, a time, a location, a direction, or a speed
associated with the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10,
the transmitter 120 may transmit an identification for the vehicle 100
for receipt by the off-site entity 144.

[0283]FIG. 80 illustrates an operational flow 8000 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
canceling a penalty utilizing the standing. FIG. 80 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 8010.

[0284]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 8000 moves to an operation 8010. Operation 8010
illustrates canceling a penalty utilizing the standing allocated upon
receipt of the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
standing allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status
for the vehicle 100 may be utilized to cancel a penalty. For example, a
standing including permission to utilize a pre-designated roadway may be
utilized instead to cancel a tax levied against the vehicle 100 as a
penalty.

[0285]FIG. 81 illustrates an operational flow 8100 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and reducing
a penalty utilizing the standing. FIG. 81 illustrates an example
embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may include
at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 8110.

[0286]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 8100 moves to an operation 8110. Operation 8110
illustrates reducing a penalty utilizing the standing allocated upon
receipt of the status. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the
standing allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the status
for the vehicle 100 may be utilized to reduce a penalty. For example, a
standing including permission to utilize a pre-designated parking spot
may be utilized instead to reduce a tax levied against the vehicle 100 as
a penalty.

[0287]FIG. 82 illustrates an operational flow 8200 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and selling
the standing to a second entity. FIG. 82 illustrates an example
embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may include
at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 8210.

[0288]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 8200 moves to an operation 8210. Operation 8210
illustrates selling the standing to a second entity. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may be sold to another vehicle.
Alternatively, the standing may be sold to an individual. For example,
the driver may purchase the standing for transfer to another vehicle.
Further, the standing may be sold to an authority, such as a local
government, a state government, or a federal government.

[0289]FIG. 83 illustrates an operational flow 8300 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
transferring the standing to a second entity. FIG. 83 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 8310.

[0290]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 8300 moves to an operation 8310. Operation 8310
illustrates transferring the standing to a second entity. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing may be transferred to another
vehicle. Alternatively, the standing may be transferred to an individual.
For example, the driver may acquire the standing for transfer to another
vehicle. Further, the standing may be transferred to an authority, such
as a local government, a state government, or a federal government.

[0291]FIG. 84 illustrates an operational flow 8400 representing example
operations related to receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization in comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle,
allocating a standing based upon the status for the vehicle, and
transferring the standing to an individual. FIG. 84 illustrates an
example embodiment where the example operational flow 4800 of FIG. 48 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may
include an operation 8410.

[0292]After a start operation, an operation 4810, and an operation 4820,
the operational flow 8400 moves to an operation 8410. Operation 8410
illustrates transferring the standing to an individual. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the standing allocated by the off-site
entity 144 upon receipt of the status for the vehicle 100 may be
transferred to an individual. For example, a standing associated with the
vehicle 100 may be transferred to the driver of the vehicle or one or
more occupants thereof.

[0293]Further, the standing may be dependent upon at least one of a driver
of the vehicle, an occupant of the vehicle, an identification for the
vehicle, a time of day, a driving history for the vehicle, a history of
standings for the vehicle, a number of standings accumulated for the
vehicle, a user selection from a list of acceptable standings, an
expiration of a standing, a time period during which a standing is valid,
or a geographical region in which a standing is valid. In an embodiment,
the standing allocated by the off-site entity 144 upon receipt of the
status for the vehicle 100 may be dependent upon the driver of the
vehicle. For example, the standing may include permission to utilize a
pre-designated parking spot in a parking lot proximal to a place of
employment for the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0294]FIG. 85 illustrates a partial view of an example computer program
product 8500 that includes a computer program 8504 for executing a
computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the example
computer program product 8500 is provided using a recordable-type signal
bearing medium 8502, and may include computer usable code configured for
receiving at least one of a status indicative of combustible fuel
utilization or a status indicative of electricity utilization for a
hybrid vehicle and computer usable code configured for allocating a
standing based upon the at least one of the status indicative of
combustible fuel utilization or the status indicative of electricity
utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is allocated upon
receipt of the status. The computer usable code may be, for example,
computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In one
implementation, the signal-bearing medium 8502 may include a
computer-readable medium 8506. In one implementation, the signal bearing
medium 8502 may include a recordable medium 8508. In one implementation,
the signal bearing medium 8502 may include a communications medium 8510.
In an embodiment, allocating the standing based upon the at least one of
the status indicative of combustible fuel utilization or the status
indicative of electricity utilization for the vehicle includes
communicating the standing to a user or another system. For example, the
status may be communicated to the vehicle 100. In another instance, the
status may be communicated to a user, such as an individual, an entity,
or one or more other computer systems (e.g., as communicated via the
computer network 207). Further, the standing may be communicated via the
display 220, or via audio, visual, or other haptic feedback types of
communication.

[0295]FIG. 86 illustrates a partial view of an example computer program
product 8600 that includes a computer program 8604 for executing a
computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the example
computer program product 8600 is provided using a recordable-type signal
bearing medium 8602, and may include computer usable code configured for
receiving a status indicative of combustible fuel utilization in
comparison to electricity utilization for a vehicle and computer usable
code configured for allocating a standing based upon the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle, wherein the standing is allocated upon
receipt of the status. The computer usable code may be, for example,
computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In one
implementation, the signal-bearing medium 8602 may include a
computer-readable medium 8606. In one implementation, the signal bearing
medium 8602 may include a recordable medium 8608. In one implementation,
the signal bearing medium 8602 may include a communications medium 8610.
In an embodiment, allocating the standing based upon the status
indicative of combustible fuel utilization in comparison to electricity
utilization for the vehicle includes communicating the standing to a user
or another system. For example, the status may be communicated to the
vehicle 100. In another instance, the status may be communicated to a
user, such as an individual, an entity, or one or more other computer
systems (e.g., as communicated via the computer network 207). Further,
the standing may be communicated via the display 220, or via audio,
visual, or other haptic feedback types of communication.

[0296]The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments
of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts,
and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will
be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation
within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,
firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,
several portions of the subject matter described herein may be
implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or
other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole
or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as
one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or
more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more
programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as
virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry
and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well
within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms
of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed
as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of
the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out
the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are
not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy
disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD),
a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium
such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber
optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless
communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic,
reception logic, etc.), etc.).

[0297]In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually
and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware,
and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various
types of "electrical circuitry." Consequently, as used herein "electrical
circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having
at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at
least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one
application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a
general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,
a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at
least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or
a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory
(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/or electrical
circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications
switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having skill in the
art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be
implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

[0298]Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of
the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a
data processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that
a data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit
housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile
memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors,
computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user
interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices
(e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control
systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for
sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or
adjusting components and/or quantities). A data processing system may be
implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as
those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network
computing/communication systems.

[0299]One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described
components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion
accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity
and that various configuration modifications are contemplated.
Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the
accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more
general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to
be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific
components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken
limiting.

[0300]With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular
terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate
to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0301]The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components contained within, or connected with, different other
components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are
merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,
any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is
effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved.
Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular
functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the
desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can
also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled," to
each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components
capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific
examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically
mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly
interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically
interacting, and/or logically interactable components.

[0303]While particular aspects of the present subject matter described
herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter
described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended
claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and
modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject
matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art
that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted
as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as
"includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the
claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.
For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims
may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or
more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the
introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite
articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true
for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In
addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited
number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other
modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., " a system having at least one of A, B,
and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., " a system having at least one of A, B,
or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A atone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,
claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B"
will be typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B"
or "A and B."

[0304]With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in
any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a
sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be
performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be
performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include
overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,
preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant
orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like
"responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are
generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates
otherwise.

[0305]While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for
purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.